Veterinary office managers are the behind-the-scenes heart of any practice that makes the business operate efficiently so the treatment animals and clients need when visiting is fulfilled.
Veterinary office managers run the operational aspects of the practice so veterinaries can focus on the animals.
Although not all practices have managers, those do show higher productivity levels since the administrative aspects are being run by a professional.
Vet office managers don’t require a degree to enter the field, but training is preferred by hiring managers.
To learn more about how to become a vet office manager in Illinois, keep reading!
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Vet Office Manager Duties in Illinois
Vet office managers are the lifeblood of the business side of vet practice. Daily responsibilities include:
- Creating an inventory system
- Hiring support staff
- Implementing security and safety procedures
- Maintain veterinary equipment
- Maintaining the inventory system
- Manage client inquiries and complaints
- Monitoring fees and performance indicators
- Oversee medical records, scheduling, billing, and reception
- Promoting a client-centric work environment
- Schedule vet appointments
- Training support staff
- Working with owners, accountants, and vets to prepare financial statements and budgets
Licensing Requirements to Become a Vet Office Manager
Illinois does not have any licensing requirements to become a vet office manager.
However, most employers require a vet office manager training program or a bachelor’s degree in animal medicine or business administration to be considered for the position.
Those with extensive office management experience will sometimes be considered for these positions.
Vet office managers can earn a CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager) designation to boost their skills further and make them more marketable to employers.
Some training programs were designed to prepare students to pass this examination.
Vet Office Manager Programs
Penn Foster
Penn Foster is an entirely online trade school offering a 12-month self-paced certificate program.
One of the greatest benefits of the self-paced format is that students can work, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy a social life while still pursuing their educational goals.
The certificate prepares students to sit for the CVPM exam.
With a program cost of $1,600 and financial aid available, students learn all aspects of operating a veterinary practice.
Topics include planning, leading, controlling, organizing, decision-making, creating and balancing a budget, and maintaining a business.
University of Illinois
The University of Illinois at Springfield offers a 450-course-hour veterinary office manager certificate program, which takes approximately 18 months to finish.
Students will learn various topics ranging from anatomy and physiology to the duties of a vet office manager, bookkeeping, ethics, accounts analysis, reporting, handling medical records, financial documentation, and basic accounting principles.
Graduates are prepared to take the QuickBooks Certified User examination.
The program costs just under $4,000 and includes all materials and fees.
Veterinary Business Management Association
The VBMA has a generic business certificate program that gives students the knowledge to open a veterinary practice or become an office manager.
Students can choose from the certificate program, which requires 16 hours, or the business certificate with honors, which requires 32 hours of educational credit.
The program takes around one year, and students will learn topics like business finance, bookkeeping, pet insurance, marketing, recruitment, teamwork, conflict resolution, delegation, communication, and insurance needs as a veterinarian.
The certificate with honors expands on these topics, adding practice ownership loans, profit and loss statement analysis, practice qualities of interest, and employment contracts.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Penn Foster | 200 Hickory Street Scranton, PA 18505 USA |
| The University of Illinois at Springfield | One University Plaza, Springfield, IL 62703, United States |
| Veterinary Business Management Association | 1900 Coffey Road Columbus, OH 43210 |
Salary
The annual national salary for a vet office manager ranges from $65,000 to $111,000, with a median salary of $86,400.
In comparison, the pay in Illinois ranges from $68,200 to $116,400, with a median compensation of $90,600.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Cicero | $90,444 |
| Orland Park | $88,030 |
| Palatine | $88,461 |
| Bloomington | $82,598 |
| Evanston | $90,444 |
| Rock Island | $80,788 |
| Rockford | $84,236 |
| Wheaton | $89,065 |
| Oak Park | $90,444 |
| Chicago | $90,444 |
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 50 | $37,080 | $17.83 | $47,080 | $29,240 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 230 | $47,360 | $22.77 | $59,880 | $35,150 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 3,400 | $46,470 | $22.34 | $61,920 | $32,060 |
| Kankakee, IL | 30 | $37,850 | $18.2 | $46,630 | $27,860 |
| Peoria, IL | 110 | $38,740 | $18.62 | $49,140 | $28,780 |
| Rockford, IL | 80 | $39,040 | $18.77 | $48,300 | $29,280 |
| Springfield, IL | 60 | $38,290 | $18.41 | $47,370 | $29,190 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic steps to becoming a vet office manager in Illinois?
The first step is to earn a degree in business management or an animal medicine-related field.
Business degrees prepare graduates for the business side of the practice, while animal medicine helps in dealing with clients and animals.
The second step is to gain experience as an office manager, which can be accomplished across many industries and business types.
The third step is to earn the CVPM certification.
The fourth step is to continue education, which is required to maintain certification.
The professional must show proof of continuing education, which can be in the form of online courses, webinars, local conferences, or leadership opportunities.
Since you need three years of relevant experience to sit for the exam, attempt to find a job at practice immediately out of school or gain a year as an office manager elsewhere, then move to practice.
How much does the CVPM certification exam cost in Illinois?
CVPM is a national designation and costs the same regardless of your location.
The exam costs $675 for Veterinary Hospital Managers Association members and $825 for non-members.
If you are employed by a vet practice, it’s best to have them pay for the exam due to the high cost.
What eligibility is required to take the exam in Illinois?
To be eligible to sit for this exam, candidates must have four letters of recommendation, three years of active employment as a vet office manager, and three years of education.
The four letters of recommendation can come from current or past employers, and professors.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager by State